Plant Profile: Cat Mint
Catmint in the NC Garden: The Prettiest Plant You’ll Accidentally Ignore
Let’s talk about a plant that doesn’t ask for much, doesn’t complain when you forget about it, and still manages to look good in the dead of summer. No, it’s not some magical unicorn shrub—it’s catmint (Nepeta), the unsung hero of the NC garden.
If your idea of a good time is a plant that thrives on a bit of neglect, smells amazing, and has bees lining up like it's free donut day, then catmint might just become your new favorite perennial.
Ready to make your neighbors jealous with minimal effort? Let’s dig in.
What Exactly Is Catmint?
First, let’s clear the air. Catmint is not catnip. Yes, they’re related (both are part of the Nepeta genus), and yes, cats might get a little excited around it. But catmint is bred more for garden performance and aesthetics than feline freak-outs.
Catmint produces silvery-green foliage and long spikes of soft purple-blue flowers that bloom for what feels like forever. It’s technically a perennial, which means once you plant it, it keeps coming back. Like glitter, but in a good way.
Why You Need Catmint in Your NC Garden
Let’s count the ways:
Heat tolerant: Doesn’t melt in July like some diva annuals.
Drought tolerant: Skips the drama when you forget to water.
Bee and pollinator magnet: Basically a five-star buffet for bumblebees.
Long blooming season: Flowers from late spring into fall if you play your cards right.
Low maintenance: You can almost forget it's there (until everyone asks what it is).
Basically, it’s the low-effort, high-impact plant your North Carolina garden has been waiting for.
Best Varieties for North Carolina
Not all catmint is created equal. Here are a few varieties that play well in the NC climate:
Nepeta 'Walker’s Low': Despite the name, it’s not that low (gets about 2–3 feet tall). This one’s a showstopper with consistent blooms and mounding growth.
Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant': Big, bold, and slightly wild. Great if you’ve got space to let it sprawl.
Nepeta 'Cat’s Pajamas': A compact variety for those with limited space or container gardens.
Nepeta racemosa 'Little Titch': Tiny, tidy, and perfect for edging paths or flower beds.
All of them are tough enough to survive our southern summers and look good doing it.
Where to Plant Catmint in an NC Garden
Sun: Full sun is ideal. We’re talking at least 6 hours a day. Sure, it can handle partial shade, but don’t expect a flower explosion if you tuck it in a dark corner.
Soil: Catmint isn’t picky about soil types, which is great news for anyone dealing with that classic NC red clay. Just make sure it drains well—catmint hates wet feet. If your garden soil is heavier than your Thanksgiving dinner, mix in compost or gravel to lighten it up.
Spacing: Give it room to breathe. Most varieties need about 18–24 inches of space. Trust me, this plant will spread out like it's at a backyard BBQ.
Design Tip: Use it along walkways, borders, or in front of taller perennials. It also makes a great filler between roses (which love the companionship, and the bees don’t mind either).
Planting Catmint Like a Pro
Spring or fall are your best bets for planting in NC. The ground is soft, and the temperatures won’t make you (or the plant) cry.
Steps:
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Amend the soil if necessary (hello compost).
Set the plant so the crown is at soil level.
Water well and mulch lightly to help retain moisture.
Now, step back and admire your new low-maintenance garden MVP.
Watering and Feeding: Keep It Chill
Catmint is like that chill friend who’s down for anything. Once established, it barely needs watering—maybe once a week during dry spells. If you’re watering daily, you’re trying too hard.
Fertilizer? Not really necessary. If you must, use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. But too much nitrogen can make it floppy and leggy. Think "flop and drop," and nobody wants that look.
Pruning Catmint: Yes, You’ll Need Scissors
If you want nonstop blooms, catmint does appreciate a good haircut.
Deadheading: You can snip off spent blooms to encourage a second flush. This isn’t mandatory, but it’ll keep things looking tidy.
Mid-summer Shear: When the plant starts looking like it's had a rough night (leggy and sprawling), cut it back by about one-third. You’ll get fresh growth and more flowers in a few weeks.
Fall Cutback: In late fall, you can trim it down to a few inches above the ground. Or, leave the stems to protect the crown and cut them back in early spring instead.
Either way, it’ll bounce back better than ever next year.
Pests, Problems, and Other Drama
Here’s the good news: catmint has zero drama. Deer and rabbits avoid it (score), and it’s not bothered by most common garden pests. Powdery mildew can show up in humid summers if airflow is poor—but spacing your plants properly usually prevents it.
Oh, and if your cat does start treating your plant like a personal party pad, you might want to throw some catnip in another part of the yard as a distraction.
Companion Plants: Who Plays Well with Catmint?
Catmint is the extrovert of the flower bed—it gets along with everybody. Try pairing it with:
Roses: A classic combo that also deters aphids.
Salvia or lavender: For a gorgeous color echo.
Echinacea and rudbeckia: For a vibrant, pollinator-friendly border.
Yarrow and ornamental grasses: For texture and contrast.
The point is—catmint fits into just about any garden vibe, whether you’re going for cottagecore or wild and untamed.
Can You Grow Catmint in Containers?
Absolutely. It’s great in containers, especially compact varieties like ‘Cat’s Pajamas’. Just make sure the pot has good drainage and don’t overwater. Put it on your porch or patio, and let the bees and butterflies come to you.
Final Thoughts: Should You Add Catmint to Your NC Garden?
In short? Yes.
If you want a plant that brings big energy with minimal maintenance, catmint is about to become your best gardening decision of the year. It’s heat-resistant, drought-tolerant, pollinator-approved, and looks like a million bucks from spring to fall.
It thrives in full sun, shrugs off our sticky summers, and doesn’t care if you skip a watering or two. What more could you possibly ask for?
Add it to your garden this season—and then bask in the compliments. You’ve earned it. (Even if catmint did most of the work.)
